Jojoba oil cleansing is nothing new in the beauty community. Oil cleansing has been around for ages, and if you’ve spent any time scouring beauty blogs, chances are you’ve heard of it. 

You might also approach the concept with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, cleaning your skin with oil sounds like everything you’ve been told not to do! 

So, let’s find out what the hype is about. We’ll explain what oil cleansing is and how it works. We’ll also explain how to do a jojoba oil cleansing with a cleanser or pure jojoba oil.

What Is An Oil Cleanse?

As the name suggests, an oil cleanse means cleaning your skin with an oil of your choice. 

This is very different from traditional skin cleansers. While some oil cleansers can lather and foam, usually, the process simply involves using pure oils and a dampened, warm washcloth. It really isn’t all that complicated. 

If you’re worried about overloading your skin or clogging your pores, you can do another cleansing after the oil cleanse with a gentle face wash. This method is pretty common among skincare enthusiasts who follow a K-beauty (Korean beauty) regimen

How Does It Work? 

Jojoba oil cleansing – and all other oil cleansing techniques – works on the idea that “like dissolves like.” Basically, this means that the nourishing oils used for skin cleansing will break down the excess sebum and natural oils produced by your skin. 

The oils, like jojoba oil, can also clean out clogged pores and remove dead skin cells, makeup, and pollutants. Because of this, it is common to find oil-based cleansers in makeup removers. They are great at washing away oil-free, oil-based, or waterproof makeup from the skin and eyelashes.

Most beauty enthusiasts have made the leap from traditional cleansers to oil cleansing. Traditional cleansers can often lead to skin irritations, excessive dryness, and cause the skin to overproduce oils and sebum. An excess of oil and sebum on the skin can lead to acne and clogged pores. 

Using jojoba oil cleansing (or any other oil cleanse) may balance out your skin’s natural sebum and oil production and lock in moisture. Depending on the oil you choose to go with, oil cleansing can also have minor healing properties.

The Pros & Cons Of Oil Cleansing

Pros 

  • Oil cleansing is a quick and easy way to remove makeup since it completely breaks down even the most long-lasting makeup formulas.
  • Oil cleansing can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • It is ideal for mature, dry skin.
  • It has minor healing properties.
  • Can help promote more even skin tones. 

Cons

  • Oil cleansing isn’t ideal if you already have oily skin. But, if you want to try it out, we would suggest you follow your oil cleanse with a gentle face wash. 
  • It may cause breakouts and acne flare-ups. 

How To Choose An Oil

So, how do you know which oil will work for you? The simplest way to figure out which oil to choose is to figure out what your skin needs. 

If you struggle with acne, you might want to go with a non-comedogenic oil like argan oil so that you don’t end up clogging your pores.

If you have dry skin, olive oil and castor oil are great options. They’re incredibly hydrating and contain a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. 

If your issue is oily skin, jojoba oil is the one for you as it can balance out oil and sebum production. 

The Jojoba Oil Cleansing Method

Jojoba oil comes from a nut that grows on the jojoba plant, commonly found in North America. The oil is jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins, like Vitamin C, E, and B, and minerals like zinc and copper. 

It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing irritated skin and combating acne. It is also incredibly moisturizing and works great for dry, flaky skin. 

Its amazing benefits make Jojoba a great option if you want to try your hand at oil cleansing. 

How To Do A Jojoba Oil Cleansing

Jojoba oil cleansing is pretty simple, and there are two basic methods to choose from.

Method 1: Using A Jojoba Oil Cleanser

The first and easiest method is to simply go to your local cosmetics store and pick up a jojoba oil-based cleanser. 

You can apply the cleanser with a cotton pad or your fingers. We suggest using your fingers since it’s much gentler on the skin, but it is entirely up to you. You can then rinse it off as you would any other cleanser.

Method 2: Using Pure Jojoba Oil

The second method involves buying pure Jojoba oil and using it as a cleanser.

  1. Pour a tiny amount of oil into one palm.
  2. Dip your fingers into the oil and gently massage the oil into your skin in light, circular motions. Make sure you have enough oil that your fingers glide freely over your face. 
  3. Lightly massage the oil into your skin for around 2 to 15 minutes. Depending on how your skin feels, you can do a shorter cleanse of 2 minutes or a deeper cleanse of approximately 15 minutes. 
  4. Wet your face cloth or hand towel in hot (but not scalding) water. 
  5. Lay the cloth on your face and keep it there until it has cooled down. 
  6. Use a damp cloth to pat the excess oil from your skin.

Jojoba oil cleansing is so simple and can have remarkable effects on your skin. It also doesn’t take up much of your time if you have a hectic schedule.

If you’re a beginner and you’re feeling nervous about cleaning your skin using oils, you can add a gentle face wash after your oil cleanse. This can help prevent product build-up, clogged pores, and acne flare-ups. 

You can also opt for method one to start with.

What To Expect After Using An Oil Cleanser 

After your Jojoba oil cleanse, your skin should feel soft, smooth, and supple. It should also be free of any makeup, dirt, and product. Whether you choose to add a moisturizer after really depends on your personal preference and skin. 

If your skin is feeling tight and dry, we recommend you add some moisturizer. 

If your skin isn’t used to oil cleansing, you might experience some irritations, allergic reactions, or clogged pores. So, it is vital to do a patch test with the oil before you begin. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can also consult with your dermatologist. 

Stop using the cleanser if you’re still experiencing acne flare-ups, skin irritations, or allergic reactions after you’ve been using it for over a week. It could be that the oil you’ve chosen doesn’t work for your skin or that oil cleansing just isn’t for you. 

Specific cosmetic brands that contain Jojoba Oil

Burt’s Bees

  • Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oils: This cleansing oil includes jojoba oil as part of its gentle formulation, designed to remove makeup and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.

The Body Shop

  • The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil: Contains jojoba oil to help dissolve makeup and impurities without drying out the skin. It’s particularly known for being gentle on sensitive skin.

DHC

  • DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: While the primary ingredient is olive oil, this cult-favorite cleansing oil also contains jojoba oil to help break down makeup and deeply cleanse the skin.

Cliganic

  • Cliganic Jojoba Oil: This product is 100% pure organic jojoba oil and is often used as a cleansing oil on its own or mixed with other oils to cleanse the face and remove makeup.

Neutrogena

  • Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover: This cleansing gel combines jojoba oil with natural ingredients to remove makeup and cleanse the skin without stripping moisture.

Kiehl’s

  • Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil: This luxurious cleansing oil contains jojoba oil along with other botanicals to remove impurities and makeup while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Sukin

  • Sukin Natural Skincare Sensitive Cleansing Lotion: Contains jojoba oil to help cleanse sensitive skin without irritation, leaving the skin soft and smooth.

Tatcha

  • Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil: While camellia oil is the hero ingredient, this gentle cleansing oil also includes jojoba oil for added hydration and to help dissolve makeup and impurities.

Acure

  • Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream: This product includes jojoba oil to nourish and cleanse the skin, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Era Organics

  • Era Organics Moisturizing Face Cleanser: This gentle facial cleanser uses jojoba oil to cleanse the skin while also providing hydration and nourishment, suitable for all skin types.

Farmacy

  • Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm: While this cleansing balm contains a mix of oils, jojoba oil plays a key role in breaking down makeup and impurities while leaving the skin soft and moisturized.

Lush

  • Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser: This creamy, oil-based cleanser contains jojoba oil to melt away makeup and dirt while leaving the skin balanced and hydrated.

Key Takeaways 

While it might sound strange, jojoba oil cleansing is a great way to remove impurities, dirt, and makeup from your skin.

Using a jojoba oil cleanser comes with many benefits and is great if you’re struggling with dry or acne-prone skin.

Oil skin cleansing is definitely something every skin and beauty enthusiast should try!